United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Alexander Paritsky; (2) urge the Soviet Union to release him from prison, to stop harassing him and his family, and to permit him and his family to emigrate; and (3) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will consider the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law when evaluating U.S. relations with such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Provides that State law concerning the division of a military pension of a member or former member of the armed forces upon divorce or legal separation shall not be preempted. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay from the military pension of a member or former member of the armed forces to a spouse or former spouse the amount specified in a State court's decree of dissolution of marriage or of legal separation. Prohibits such payment whenever the Secretary receives certified, conflicting decrees. Requires the Secretary to notify the affected member or former member whenever a portion of a military pension has been so awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States must manage its assets in a manner more prudent and beneficial to the interests of the American people; (2) all executive branch agencies should inventory their assets, estimate the approximate value of each asset, and identify the uses to which each asset is put; (3) the President should then identify which assets are surplus to Federal needs and should be candidates for liquidation; (4) the President should submit recommendations to Congress on any legislative and administrative revisions that may be needed to carry out such a program of liquidation in an orderly manner; (5) the receipts of this program should be used only to restrain and ultimately reduce the national debt; and (6) the Comptroller General should investigate and recommend to Congress and each agency improved processes for managing Federal assets, estimating their value, and liquidating those which are unneeded.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1981
Missing Children Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to collect and exchange information which would assist in the identification of unidentified deceased individuals, and the location of missing persons, including missing children.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the presence of the bald eagle on the official seal of the United States of America. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination applicable to first-class mail up to one ounce in weight. Directs that such stamp shall be issued during the week of June 20, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
National Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1981 - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the establishment of a Federal policy for the acquisition and interim storage of spent fuel and the long-term storage and disposal of high-level radioactive waste generated by civilian nuclear activities. Title II: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Title III: Interim Storage of Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Powerplants - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into contracts with owners of civilian nuclear powerplants which cannot provide adequate spent fuel storage capacity at the powerplant site. Requires that under such contracts the Government agree to take title to any spent fuel which cannot be stored onsite and transport it to, and store it in, federally owned and operated interim storage facilities, pending further processing, storage, or disposal. Prohibits contracts for spent fuel in amounts in excess of available storage capacity. States that this Act does not authorize contracts with respect to spent fuel from a nuclear powerplant located outside the United States. Sets forth contract requirements with respect to: (1) a one-time payment by the owner of the spent fuel to cover transportation, storage, and disposal costs; (2) the owner's right to the value of the remaining fuel resource; (3) the transfer of title to the spent fuel; and (4) the effective date of the contract. Requires the Secretary to publish notice of intent to enter into such contracts and the one-time payment charge in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to construct or acquire one or more interim storage facilities for such spent fuel. Limits the total storage capacity at all such facilities. Directs the Secretary to contract with private industry for the transportation of spent fuel. Authorizes the use of Federal transportation services if private industry cannot or will not provide such services at a reasonable cost. Makes funds available for the establishment of the interim storage facilities. Directs the Secretary to inform the Governor and the legislature of any State in which a potential facility site or an existing facility is located of the investigation and selection of such site or facility for interim storage of spent fuel. Requires the Secretary to: (1) suspend work on a facility if the Governor objects; and (2) transmit such objections, with recommendations, to the President. Directs the Secretary to terminate such work unless, within 90 days of being notified by the Secretary, the President determines such facility is essential to the national interest. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to provide that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) shall have licensing and related regulatory authority over storage facilities for high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel from foreign reactors whose transfer is authorized under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Subjects the transportation of spent fuel under this Act to licensing and regulation by the NRC as provided under existing law. Requires the Secretary, the NRC, and Federal officials to encourage and expedite the effective use of existing storage facilities and the addition of needed new storage capacity at civilian nuclear powerplant sites. Directs the Secretary to establish a cooperative program to assist private development of alternate technologies for spent fuel storage which can be licensed by the NRC on a generic basis for use at all civilian nuclear powerplant sites. Permits an applicant for a license or license amendment to expand the spent fuel storage capacity at a civilian nuclear powerplant site to petition the NRC for an interim license or license amendment prior to a required hearing on the application. Authorizes the NRC to issue an interim license or license amendment if all legal requirements other than a required hearing are met and there will be adequate protection of the public health and safety and the environment during the interim period. Sets forth administrative review requirements with respect to an application for a license or license amendment to expand spent fuel storage capacity at a civilian nuclear powerplant site. Prohibits the NRC from considering as spent fuel storage alternatives spent fuel storage in away-from-reactor facilities. Title IV: Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Activities - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate standards for offsite releases of radioactivity from repositories for solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel from civilian nuclear activities. Requires the NRC to promulgate technical criteria for review of applications for: (1) authority to construct repositories; (2) licenses to emplace such waste and spent fuel in repositories; and (3) license amendments to decommission repositories. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for repository site recommendations. Requires the Secretary to make repository site characterization recommendations to the President according to a specified time schedule. Requires the Secretary to notify the Governor of the State in which a site is located and affected Indian tribes and to hold public meetings in the vicinity of the site before making a site characterization recommendation to the President. Provides for Presidential approval or disapproval of a site characterization recommendation within 60 days after submission of the recommendation. Authorizes the President to delay a decision for six months if there is insufficient information to make a decision. States that the site shall be considered approved if the President fails to act within the required time periods. Requires the Secretary to submit to the NRC, the Governor of the affected State, and affected Indian tribes for review: (1) an environmental assessment of the nonradiological impacts of the site characterization activities planned for an approved site and alternatives to avoid such impacts; (2) a general plan for site characterization activities; and (3) proposals for the packaging of the waste and spent fuel to be emplaced in the repository. Directs the Secretary to report to the NRC, the Governor, and the Indian tribes during site characterization activities. Requires the Secretary to conduct, and report to them on, tests to provide data for a construction authorization application for a repository at the site and for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Restricts the Secretary's use of radioactive materials during site characterization activities. Requires the Secretary to hold public meetings in the vicinity of a site to receive area residents' comments before recommending that the President approve the site for development of a repository. Directs the Secretary to apply to the NRC for authorization to construct a repository at a site selected by the President. Requires the NRC to report to Congress on the application proceedings. Requires that the NRC issue a final decision on an application by January 1, 1988. Directs the Secretary, the NRC, and Federal officials to achieve operational status of a repository licensed under this Act as soon as possible. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress a proposal for at least one test and evaluation facility for developing the packaging, handling, and emplacement technology for solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. Requires that an environmental assessment accompany such proposal. Makes the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 applicable when Congress authorizes construction of the facility. States that the facility shall not be subject to an NRC license but that the Secretary shall obtain the concurrence of the NRC in the establishment of the facility. Requires the Secretary and the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a national site survey program to be used for identifying and recommending sites for site characterization. Title V: Long-Term Storage of High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Activities - Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress a proposal for a system of at least one facility for the long-term, retrievable, monitored storage of solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel from civilian nuclear activities. Requires that an environmental assessment accompany such proposal. Makes the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 applicable when Congress authorizes the construction of the initial facility. Subjects any such facility authorized under this Act to a license under the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Title VI: Financial Arrangements -Establishes in the Treasury a separate account for the operation of the storage and disposal program under this Act. Permits the Secretary to borrow money from the Treasury in amounts provided in appropriations Acts. Imposes a mandatory fee on electricity generated and sold by civilian nuclear powerplants 90 days or more after the enactment of this Act in order to cover the costs of the long-term storage and permanent disposal of solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. Requires the persons owning and operating such powerplants to collect such fees and pay them to the Treasury for deposit in the separate account. Title VII: State Participation in the Development of Repositories and Retrievable, Monitored Storage Facilities For Solidified High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel - Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor, the State legislature, and affected Indian tribes of States with potentially acceptable repository or storage facility sites. Requires the Secretary to establish a cooperative agreement with each State and Indian tribe notified under which the State or Indian tribe shall have the right to participate in all stages of the establishment of a repository or a retrievable, monitored storage facility. Authorizes such participation once site approval for a repository or site designation for a retrievable, monitored storage facility has occurred. Requires that a cooperative agreement provide procedures for resolving objections of the State or Indian tribe at any stage of the repository or storage facility siting process. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor, the State legislature, and affected Indian tribes of an affected State at least 90 days before applying to the NRC for construction authorization for a repository or storage facility. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress, within 90 days after receipt of such notice: (1) objections made by the Governor or an Indian tribe; and (2) recommendations concerning such objections. Requires suspension of work on the proposed repository or storage facility if either the House of Representatives or the Senate passes a resolution disapproving the proposal for the repository or storage facility within 60 days after submission of such objections to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
Title I: Policy - Expresses the need to establish and maintain a uniform Federal policy for the management and use of the results of federally sponsored science and technology research and development. Title II: Implementation - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate, direct, and review the implementation and administration of this policy through consultation with Federal agencies and departments. Authorizes the Secretary to assist agencies in promoting licensing, utilization, and protection of Federal inventions both here and aboard and to receive fees and royalties. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on these activities, including relevent statistical data and recommendations. Terminates the authority of the Secretary under this Act seven years after enactment. Title III: Allocations of Rights-Government Contractors - Grants each agency title to any invention made under contract with that agency upon certification to the Secretary that the services of the contractor are for the operation of Federal research centers, if necessary to protect intelligence activities, or to further the policy of this Act. Requires Federal agency research contracts to: (1) require periodic written reports on the commercial utilization of the invention; (2) reserve to the United States at least an irrevocable, nonexclusive, nontransferable, paid-up license to make, use, and sell the invention; and (3) employ a single patent rights clause, detailing the time limits and obligations of each party for moving on the invention. Grants the contractor the right to retain title to the invention, subject to the right of the Federal agency to require its commercial utilization through licensing specified terms. Permits an agency to waive its rights if to do so would be in the public interest. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Grants concurrent power to Congress and the States to restrict and prohibit abortions. Directs that a State law which is more restrictive than a law of Congress shall govern. Declares that the Constitution does not secure a right to abortion.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the Federal Trade Commission's final rule relating to used motor vehicles submitted to Congress on September 10, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980, as amended by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, to repeal the termination date for the partial tax exclusion of dividends and interest. Increases the amount of such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Amends the Mineral Land Leasing Act of 1920 and the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to expand the application of such Acts to include gilsonite and all vein-type solid hydrocarbons. Provides that acreage in special tar sand areas shall not be chargeable against State acreage limitations applicable to oil and gas lease holders. Defines a special tar sand area as an area designated by the Secretary of the Interior as containing substantial deposits of tar sand. Provides that oil and gas lands within a special tar sand area shall be leased by competitive bidding in units of not more than 5,120 acres. Provides that competitive leases in special tar sand areas shall be for a primary term of ten years. Directs the Secretary to review, prior to the commencement of commercial operations, the royalty rates established in each combined hydrocarbon lease issued in special tar sand areas. Permits the owner of: (1) an oil and gas lease issued prior to the enactment of the Combined Hydrocarbon Leasing Act of 1981; or (2) a valid claim to any hydrocarbon resources leasable under the Act based on a mineral location made prior to January 21, 1926, and located within a special tar sand area to convert such lease or claim to a combined hydrocarbon lease for a primary term of ten years. Provides that nothing in this Act shall: (1) affect the existing tax status applicable to production from tar sand; or (2) apply to national parks, national monuments, or other lands where mineral leasing is prohibited. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to apply this Act to any unit of the national park system where mineral leasing is permitted, unless there is a finding that there will be significant adverse impacts on such unit or on other contiguous units.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
State and Local Energy Block Grant Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide financial assistance (block grants) to the States for energy conservation and weatherization assistance programs. Sets forth the allocation formula for annual financial assistance to the States and U.S. territories and possessions. Requires a State receiving financial assistance under this Act to provide matching funds from non-Federal sources. Sets forth the type of energy conservation and supply activities for which the grant money received by a State may be used. Limits the amount of funds which may be used for administrative expenses. Requires a State to obligate any funds received under this Act by the end of the fiscal year following the fiscal year for which those funds were appropriated. Requires recipients of financial assistance under this Act and persons responsible for the administration of projects receiving funds under this Act to provide the Secretary with information on the disposition of such funds and to provide access to records and other information for audit purposes. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Repeals provisions relating to energy conservation and weatherization assistance in the Energy Security Act, the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, the Energy Research and Development Administration Appropriation Authorization Act of 1977, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, the Energy Conservation and Production Act, and the National Housing Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Benedict Scott be released from prison in the Soviet Union and be allowed to emigrate. Urges the President and other officials to express at each opportunity U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Benedict Scott.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination used for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight and shall be placed on sale on March 12, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
International Rule of Law Act - Prohibits any United States court from declining on the ground of the Federal Act of State Doctrine to make a determination on the merits in any case in which the act of state is contrary to international law. Directs that United States courts shall apply principles and rules of international law in deciding cases involving a violation of international law by a foreign state with regard to the rights of a person not a national of that state. Declares that the Foreign Sovereign Compulsion Defense shall remain fully available in U.S. courts.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration, upon recommendation of the Attorney General, to donate surplus Federal property to any State for the construction and modernization of criminal justice facilities, including correctional facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981 - Title I: Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry - Part A - Grain Reserves - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to authorize (presently directs) the Corporation to make farm storage facility loans. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide a mandatory interest waiver on grain reserves. Part B - Commodity Inspection Fees - Revises procedures for the collection of fees and charges for: (1) cotton classing and related services; (2) tobacco inspection and related services; (3) naval stores inspection and related services; (4) warehouse examination, inspection, and licensing; and (5) grain inspection and weighing. Part C - Farm Rural Development Programs - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to set forth fiscal year 1982 limitations on: (1) water and waste grants; (2) interest rates for farm ownership, water and waste, and community facility loans; (3) interest rates on farm operating loans; (4) emergency loan amounts; (5) interest rates on emergency loans for actual loss; and (6) insured loan limits. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to revise the interest rate and procedure for making loans under such Act. Part D - Public Law 480 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to: (1) change the method of payments for commodities by friendly countries; (2) set forth appropriation limits; and (3) eliminate cargo preferences under specified titles of such Act. Part E - Miscellaneous - Sets the ceiling for Department of Agriculture personnel for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Amends the Biomass Energy and Alcohol Fuel Act of 1980 to reduce the authorized appropriations for programs under such Act. Part F - Food Stamps - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to: (1) make boarders ineligible for food stamp benefits; (2) eliminate provisions for drug addiction and alcoholic treatment programs; (3) adjust the cost of the thrify food plan; (4) set forth the gross income eligibility standard; (5) adjust certain standard deductions; (6) allow retrospective accounting in determining household income; (7) prohibit increased allotments to households with a member or members on strike; (8) set forth penalties for fraud and misrepresentation; (9) require prorating of first month benefits; (10) eliminate outreach services; (11) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to waive and offset claims and provide a new method for the recovery of overpayments; (12) reduce income limits for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and provide block grant assistance for such territory; and (13) repeal increases in dependent care deductions for working adults and medical deductions for the elderly and disabled. Part G - School Lunch and Child Nutrition Programs - Amends the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to change the method of reimbursement to schools for lunches and breakfasts. Provides for: (1) an annual (formerly semi-annual) adjustment in the national average rates for such lunches and breakfast; (2) a reduction in commodity assistance for lunches; (3) revisions of income eligibility standards; (4) changes in State matching requirements; (5) the termination of food service equipment assistance; (6) revisions in the special milk program; (7) limitations on private school participation; (8) termination of the summer food service program; (9) revisions in the child care food program; (10) limitations on the Secretary's authority to directly administer programs (11) elimination of residential child care institutions from the definition of "school"; (12) commodity only schools; and (13) a reduction in the appropriation for nutrition education and training. Allows any student not to accept foods they do not intend to consume. Eliminates the requirement for State to submit a plan of operation for child nutrition programs. Limits future grants for State administrative expenses to the amount granted for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1981. Authorizes appropriations for the work incentive program under the Child Nutrition Act for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Title II: Senate Committee on Armed Services - Eliminates the September 1, 1981, cost-of-living increase in military retired pay. Declares that the March 1, 1982, increase shall be the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index between December 1981 and December 1980. Authorizes the sale of a specified quantity of silver from the national defense stockpile. Authorizes subsistence allowances for members of the Marine Corps officer candidate program. Title III: Matters Within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate - Part A - Export- Import Bank - Sets forth the limits on amounts of direct loans which shall not be exceeded for fiscal years 1981 through 1984. Part B - Urban Mass Transportation - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for purposes of the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964. Part C - Housing and Community Development - Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes. Requires potential grantees to submit a statement of activities relative to the use of requested funds and sets forth certain eligible activities under such Act. Provides procedures and criteria for the allocation and distribution of housing funds. Authorizes the set-aside of a specific amount for the discretionary fund. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age for programs or activities under such Act. Sets forth the amount available for urban development action grants and eligibility criteria for such grants. Amends the Housing Act of 1954 to direct that certain loans be made only in connection with urban homesteading or multifamily properties. Sets forth the loan authority for fiscal year 1983 for urban homesteading. Sets forth housing authorizations for specified housing assistance programs. Provides the method for determining rental payments for lower income families in dwelling units assisted under the Housing Act of 1937 and means for the Secretary to reduce the cost of such housing. Provides for a redirection of the economic mix policy. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize additional authority under the Housing Act of 1937 to provide rent supplements. Requires the Secretary to seek to dispose of HUD-owned projects to tenant-owned cooperatives. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into new contracts for assistance payments under the National Housing Act after September 30, 1981, or from making financial assistance available to certain aliens under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a revised fee schedule for development managers of lower income projects assisted under the Housing Act of 1937. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress by March 1, 1982, on: (1) recommendations for a new operating subsidy formula; and (2) the feasibility of a computer system for the use of public housing agencies. Requires the Secretary to pursue energy efficiency efforts for certain projects and to recognize the Kansas Department of Economic Development as a public housing agency. Sets forth program amendments and extensions in the following areas: (1) research authorizations; (2) property improvement and manufactured home loans; (3) manufactured home condominiums; (4) homeowner counseling; (5) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; (6) the National Consumer Cooperative Bank; and (7) mortgage insurance for hospitals. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a model zoning code; (2) develop and implement a demonstration program using lower cost technology; and (3) publish a compilation of basic housing laws not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act. Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1981 - Sets forth a uniform Federal foreclosure remedy for multiunit residential and nonresidential mortgages held by the Secretary pursuant to the National Housing Act or the Housing Act of 1964. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to prescribe loan authority for rural housing programs for fiscal year 1982. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the Congress not later than March 1, 1982, setting forth specified areas of concern relative to the Farmers Home Administration. Title IV - Commerce, Science, and Transportation - Part A - Amtrak - Amtrak Improvement Act of 1981 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to add new goals for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). Revises the membership of the board of directors of Amtrak. Prohibits Amtrak from being charged for the cost of any customs inspection or immigration procedure in connection with the provision of Amtrak services. Directs Amtrak to eliminate the deficit in its onboard food and beverage operations by September 30, 1982. Exempts Amtrak from State and local taxes to the same extent as the United States is so exempt. Revises the number and type of reports to be transmitted by Amtrak and the Interstate Commerce Commission to Congress and the President. Increases the percentage of costs to be paid by a State or group of States for rail service beyond the basic system. Sets forth criteria by which fare increases shall be proposed and become effective. Directs Amtrak to submit amendments to the Route and Service Criteria to Congress. Requires that Amtrak review annually each route in the basic system (formerly long distance routes only) to determine whether specified criteria are being met. Discontinues those lines that fail to meet such criteria. Directs Amtrak to evaluate the financial requirements for operating the basic rail service system with route additions. Requires that notice of any discontinuance of service shall afford an opportunity for a State, group of States, agency, or other person to agree to share the cost of such service or a portion thereof. Directs Amtrak to continue high frequency intercity rail passenger service under agreements with States or transportation agencies if such service meets certain criteria. Limits payments for employee protection during fiscal year 1982. Extends the availability of free or reduced rate rail transportation for specified employees. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for the purposes of such Act. Limits, to a specified sum, Amtrak's expenditures for food and beverage operations. Increases the amount of funds available for purchase and rehabilitation loans. Directs Amtrak, by January 15, 1982, to report to Congress its recommendations concerning the development of rail corridors. Part B - Conrail - Northeast Rail Services Act of 1981 - Subpart I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress with regard to freight and passenger rail service in the Northeast United States. Subpart II: Transfer of Rail Service Responsibilities - Transfer of Conrail Commuter Services - Relieves the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) of any legal obligation to operate commuter service one year after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes commuter authorities, or State, local, or regional transporation authorities to negotiate with Conrail for the transfer of commuter services operated by Conrail. Requires the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and Conrail to agree, within ten months after the effective date of this Act, on terms and conditions for the transfer to Amtrak of all Conrail commuter service in the Northeast corridor (Boston-Washington, D.C.), except for services transferred directly to a commuter authority. Specifies procedures to be followed by the Secretary of Transportation if such agreement is not reached. Requires that Amtrak shall provide such commuter service for a commuter authority on a reimbursable basis only. Authorizes appropriations, to remain available until October 1, 1986, to carry out the provisions of this Act. Transfers of Freight Service Responsibilities - Directs the Committee, within 180 days after the final purchase of Conrail stock, to determine whether Conrail has become a profitable rail carrier. States that Conrail's freight service responsibilities shall be transferred according to the procedures set forth by this Act if Conrail is not found to be profitable. Directs Conrail, when such acquiring railroads do not assure adequate freight terminal operations in the Northeast corridor, to promote the formation of one more privately funded terminal companies. Subpart III: Protection for Conrail Employees - States that Conrail employees deprived of employment shall be eligible for specified separation allowances. Sets forth criteria for the payment and tax treatment of such allowances. Grants preferential hiring status to employees deprived of employment. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board to maintain a register of persons separated from employment who have declared their availability for employment in the railroad industry. Sets forth procedures for priority hiring of such persons. Makes certain employees deprived of employment eligible for: (1) moving expense benefits; (2) new career training assistance; and (3) medical insurance coverage. Requires that a single, new collective-bargaining agreement be negotiated systemwide between Conrail and representatives of the employees of a railroad in reorganization. Directs Conrail, Amtrak, or an acquiring carrier to process and pay employee and personal injury claims. States that employees who accept assistance under this Act shall waive any employee protection otherwise available. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act to remain available until expended. Limits, to a specified sum, the total liability of the United States and Conrail under this Act. Subpart IV: Terms of Labor Assumption - Passenger Employees - Sets forth procedures for the transfer of passenger service employees to Amtrak from Conrail. Requires that disputes not settled through conferences between Amtrak and employee representatives shall be subject to binding arbitration. Sets forth standards and procedures to be followed when Conrail or Amtrak transfer commuter service responsibilities to a commuter authority. Deems such a commuter authority to be a rail carrier subject to specified Federal laws governing the rights of employees in the railroad industry. Freight Employees - Directs acquiring railroads and employee representatives to enter into agreements to facilitate the orderly transfer of employees on terms fair to Conrail employees and employees of acquiring railroads. Directs acquiring railroads to determine the type and number of employees necessary to provide service over line segments transferred under this Act and to notify employee representatives of same. Sets forth procedures for filling positions on such line segments with eligible Conrail employees. Describes seniority rights of Conrail employees who accept employment with acquiring railroads. Sets forth labor protection obligations of acquiring railroads and procedures for the arbitration of disputes. Subpart V: Transfers of Functions of the United States Railway Association - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to set forth provisions concerning the organization and functions of the United States Railway Association. Authorizes appropriations to the Association for carrying out its administrative expenses through fiscal year 1984. Subpart VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Lists the civil actions over which the special court established under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 shall have exclusive jurisdiction. Declares that the judgments of such court shall be reviewable only by the Supreme Court. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to reserve a specified amount of authorized appropriations for rehabilitation and improvement assistance for facilities transferred from Conrail. Exempts from Federal, State, and local taxes and fees all transfers or conveyances of any interest in rail property under this Act. Declares that certain laws and regulations, including antitrust laws and the Administrative Procedure Act, are inapplicable to actions taken under this Act. Directs the clerk of the special court to convey to the Secretary, within ten days after the effective date of this Act, certain stock on deposit with such court pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Prohibits any distribution of Conrail assets in regard to any claims of the United States until all other claims against Conrail have been satisfied. Requires an appropriate costing methodology to be developed for compensation to Amtrak with respect to the provision of freight services over Amtrak's tracks, rights-of-ways, and other facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to prepare a plan of recapitalization of Conrail and to direct Conrail to effect such recapitalization according to such plan. Part C - Other Transportation Programs - Authorizes appropriations for the Northeast Corridor Improvement Project through fiscal year 1983. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Transportation through fiscal year 1984 for: (1) rail service assistance; (2) railroad research and development; (3) airport and airway development; and (4) transportation research and special programs. Authorizes appropriations to the Interstate Commerce Commission for necessary expenses through fiscal year 1984. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Commerce for maritime administration for fiscal year 1982. Part D - Highway Safety Program - Highway Safety Act of 1981 - Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations, out of the Highway Trust Fund, for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for highway safety research and development. Declares that the unobligated balance of contract authority for highway safety programs and innovative project grants pursuant to such Act shall lapse on September 30, 1981. Directs that each State shall have a highway safety program designed to reduce traffic deaths and injuries by: (1) identifying its highway safety problems; (2) adopting measures to reduce such problems; (3) evaluating the effectiveness of such measures. Revises requirements of such State highway safety programs. Repeals provisions relating to: (1) school bus driver training; and (2) innovative project grants. Revises penalties for States that do not adequately enforce the 55 mile per hour national maximum speed limit. Part E - Communications Subpart 1 - Federal Communications Commission - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations to the Federal Communications Commission to carry out is functions through fiscal year 1984. Sets forth a list of charges for specified services provided by the Commission. Permits the Commission to make annual basis increase or decreases in amounts of such charges. Requires the Commission to have a Managing Director who shall perform such administrative and executive functions as the Chairman shall delegate. Subpart 2 - National Telecommunications and Information Administration - Authorizes appropriations to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for administration for fiscal year 1982. Subpart 3 - International Telecommunications - International Telecommunications and Information Coordination Act of 1981 - Establishes an International Telecommunications and Information Task Force to be the principal coordinating body for the development of United States telecommunications and information policies. Requires the Task Force to develop consistent and comprehensive United States international telecommunications and information policies and to advise the President with respect to such policies. Directs the Task Force to establish an Advisory Committee on International Telecommunications and Information to provide overall policy guidance with respect to the functions of the Task Force. Subpart 4 - Public Telecommunications - Public Telecommunications Act of 1981 - Public Telecommunications Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to reduce the membership of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from 15 to nine. Makes the President of the Corporation the Chairman of the Board. Reduces the term of office of each member from six to five years. Requires Board members to attend at least half the Board meetings per year or else forfeit their membership. Requires the President to fill a forfeited seat within a specified time. Requires meetings of the Board to take place in Washington, D.C. Requires the Board members to elect annually a Vice Chairman (rather than a Chairman). Increases the rate of daily compensation, but places a ceiling on the amount of compensation any member may receive in any one fiscal year. Prohibits any Corporation officer except the Vice Chairman from receiving any compensation from any source other than the Corporation for services rendered during such officer's employment by the Corporation. Sets forth the purposes and authorized activities of the Corporation. Grants access to space satellite interconnection facilities or services to certain public telecommunications entities for the transmission of public audio and video programs. Eliminates the Public Broadcasting Fund and the formula for matching non-Federal financial support for the Corporation with authorized appropriations. Replaces such Fund and formula with an authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 1984 through 1986. Deletes the requirement that the Corporation certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the amount of non-Federal financial support received by public broadcasting entities. Retains the role of the Secretary as disburser of appropriations for the Corporation. Limits disbursements of appropriations in any fiscal year to the extent that the total amount of non-Federal financial support received by public broadcasting entities during the preceding fiscal year equals twice the disbursed amount. Reformulates the percentage of funds disbursed by the Corporation among the licensees and permittees of public television and radio stations. Directs the Corporation to establish an annual budget of appropriated monies to make grants and contracts for the production and acquisition of public audio and video programs by independent producers, for distribution of funds among telecommunications entities, for research, and for promotion of projects designed to increase the role of minorities and women in public telecommunications. Retains the prohibition against the use of such funds for the Corporation's general administrative costs. Requires such budget for fiscal years 1981-1986 to consist of not less than 95 percent of such authorized funds. Limits for fiscal years 1981, and 1984-1986 the percentage of funds the Corporation may expend for other activities. Retains provisions requiring: (1) public meetings of the governing boards of certain public broadcast entities before distribution of such funds; (2) public disclosure by such entities of annual financial and audit reports; (3) annual review of the distribution of authorized funds; and (4) division of funds reserved for public broadcast stations between radio and television stations. Authorizes recipients of such funds to use such funds for purposes related exclusively to the production or acquisition of public audio or video programs. Requires a public telecommunications entity receiving unrelated business income related to station operations in any fiscal year to refund to the Corporation an equivalent amount. Limits the amount of any one basic program grant. Eliminates the prohibition against Corporation support for: (1) a public broadcast station which does not establish and maintain a community advisory board; and (2) specified public broadcasting entities unless those entities assure the Corporation that no officer or employee of such entities is paid above a specified amount. Requires each public telecommunications entity receiving funds from the Corporation to undergo a biannual rather than an annual audit. Amends the Corporation's role in matters related to the equal employment opportunity practices of recipients of Corporation funds. Prohibits only noncommercial educational broadcasting stations which receive a basic grant pursuant to such Act (rather than all such stations) from editorializing or supporting or opposing political candidates. Repeals the provision which requires recipients of Corporation funds to record certain programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1984 to be used in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities. Requires the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a study of existing regulations of an air sponsorship identification by public television and radio licensees. Subpart 5 - Radio Deregulation Act of 1981 - Radio Deregulation Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make licenses for the operation of a radio broadcasting station valid for an indefinite period of time. Permits any party in interest to petition the Federal Communications Commission for a revocation of such license. Requires such petition to contain specific allegations of fact to establish a prima facie case that the licensee has violated specific provisions of such Act or an order of the Commission. Requires the Commission to hold a hearing if a substantial and material question of fact is presented. Permits the Commission to grant an application for a license for a frequency in the radio broadcast service on a system of random selection. Requires the Commission to establish procedures for such selection within a specified period. Prohibits the Commission from requiring radio broadcast station licensees to provide specific types of programming or restricting the length or frequency of commercials. Requires the Commission to report to Congress annually on its progress in reviewing regulations applicable to radio broadcasting. Requires the Commission within three years to report to Congress on the impact of deregulation on radio programming. Subpart 6 - Television Licensing - Television Licensing and Renewal Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to increase the licensing term for a television broadcasting station from three to five years. Permits the Federal Communications Commission to grant an initial license or construction permit for a television broadcast facility on a system of random selection. Directs the Commission to grant a license renewal if the license has substantially met the needs of its service area and complied with the requirement of such Act. Prohibits the Commission from considering the application of any other person for the facilities for which renewal is sought. Subpart 7 - Amateur Radio - Amateur Radio Service and Private Land Mobile Services Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate minimum performance standards for audio and visual electronic equipment to reduce their susceptibility to radio interference. Exempts amateur radio transmissions, transmissions by radio stations for the general public, and distress transmissions from the secrecy provisions of such Act. Limits broadcast license terms and renewals for: (1) television stations to five years; (2) radio stations to seven years; and (3) other classes of stations to five years. Limits the license term and renewal for Amateur or Personal (Citizen) Radio Services to ten years. Deletes the prohibition against the FCC requiring license renewal applicants to file certain information. Requires the FCC to consider specified items in managing the spectrum available to the private land mobile services. Authorizes the FCC to delegate to non-Governmental coordinating committees the coordination of certain frequencies to stations in the private land mobile services. Authorizes the FCC to use as volunteers: (1) licensed amateur station operators to monitor amateur transmission violations; (2) licensed citizens band radio operators to monitor citizens band transmission violations; and (3) licensed amateur station operators to prepare or administer examinations for amateur station operator licenses. Prohibits any such volunteer from being considered a Federal employee. Defines private land mobile services. Authorizes the FCC to allow radio stations to operate without licenses in the Radio Control or Citizen Band Radio Services if the station operators comply with the Communications Act of 1934 and applicable regulations. Title V - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources - Subtitle A - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation - Limits the authorization of appropriations for the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for fiscal years 1981 - 1984. Subtitle B - Department of Agriculture - Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for Forest Service programs and biomass energy and alcohol fuels programs for fiscal year 1981 - 1984. Subtitle C - Department of Defense - Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Department of Defense for special recreation user fees programs of the Corps of Engineers for fiscal years 1981 - 1984. Subtitle D - Department of Energy - Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Department of Energy for atomic energy defense activities for fiscal years 1981 - 1984. Department of Energy Authorization Act for Fiscal year 1982 - Subpart A: Civilian Applications - Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and plant and capital equipment for the civilian programs of the Department of Energy for the following appropriation accounts: (1) Energy and Water Development and (2) Department of the Interior and Related Agencies. Authorizes appropriations for specified plant and capital equipment activities in fiscal year 1982 in an amount not to exceed the Federal share of the total estimated cost set forth for each specified project. Subpart B - Out-Year Authorizations - Out-Year Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy, in accordance with the Department of Energy Organization Act, for operating expenses for civilian programs, general plant projects, and acquisition and fabrication of capital equipment not related to construction for the civilian programs for fiscal years 1983 and 1984. Subpart C - General Provisions - Sets forth authorization adjustments for authorizations made to the Department of Energy by this title. Subpart D - United States Energy Targets - Sets forth the United States energy targets through the year 2000. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Amendment Act of 1981 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to increase the average annual fill rate for crude oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from 100,000 to 300,000 barrels per day, until at least 750,000,000 barrels are in storage. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a special account in the Treasury, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Account, into which shall be deposited: (1) such funds as the Secretary finds are necessary to implement authorities under this Act or the Energy Security Act; and (2) receipts from the sale of petroleum during any drawdown and distribution of the Reserve. Authorizes the President to contract with any State to store petroleum products in the Reserve, without regard to any procurement law or regulation. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress quarterly concerning the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Subtitle E - Department of Housing and Urban Development - Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for programs of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank for fiscal years 1981 - 1984. Subtitle F - Department of the Interior - Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Department of the Interior for programs wholly or partially within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for fiscal years 1981 - 1984. Subtitle G - Department of the Treasury - Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Department of the Treasury for programs within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for fiscal years 1981 - 1984. Subtitle H - Office of the Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System - Limits the authorization of appropriations for programs of the Office of the Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System for fiscal years 1981 - 1984. Subtitle I - Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation - Limits the authorization of appropriations for the programs of the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation through fiscal year 1984. Subtitle J - United States Holocaust Memorial Council - Limits the authorization of appropriations for the programs of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council through fiscal year 1984. Title VI - Committee on Environment and Public Works - Subtitle A - Federal Highway Administration - Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Federal Highway Administration for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs through fiscal year 1984. Subtitle B - Corps of Engineers - Limits the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for: (1) general construction by the Corps of Engineers; and (2) water resources planning grants to the States and river basin commissions, Federal coordination of water resources policy, and water resources research. Subtitle C - Environmental Protection Agency - Amends the Public Works Employment Act of 1976 to decrease the authorization of appropriations for wastewater treatment construction grants in fiscal year 1982. Amends the Clean Water Act to eliminate the authorization of appropriations for wastewater treatment construction grants under such Act in fiscal year 1982 unless there is enacted legislation reducing the eligibility of projects for grants for treatment works. Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for non-energy research and development activities and for abatement, control, and compliance activities in fiscal years 1982 - 1984. Subtitle D - Economic Development Administration and Title V Regional Commissions - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to terminate the authorization of appropriations for technical assistance, research, and information which would be useful in alleviating or preventing conditions of excessive unemployment or underemployment in fiscal year 1982. Reduces the authorization of appropriations for such assistance in fiscal year 1981. Repeals the provisions of such Act which established Regional Action Planning Commissions, and the job opportunities program. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for payments made on defaulted loan guarantees under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Limits the expenditures of the Economic Development Administration for fiscal year 1981. Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for programs for regional development for fiscal year 1981. Subtitle E - Appalachian Regional Commission - Terminates the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the Appalachian Regional Commission. Subtitle F - Tennessee Valley Authority - Reduces the authorization of appropriations for the Tennessee Valley Authority. Provides no appropriations to the Tennessee Valley Authority for a coal gasification plant at Murphy Hill, Alabama, in fiscal years 1982 - 1984. Title VII - Provisions Reducing Spending in Programs within Jurisdiction of Senate Committee on Finance - Part A - Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - Amends the Social Security Act to eliminate a child's insurance benefits in the case of children age 18 through 22 who attend postsecondary schools. Eliminates prospectively the minimum benefit amount used in computing the primary insurance amount. Limits the payment of lump-sum death benefits to a widow or widower entitled to widow's, widower's, or mother's benefits on the basis of the wage and self-employment income of a deceased individual or in equal shares to each person entitled to child's insurance benefits on the basis of the wages or self- employment income of such individual (currently such benefits may be paid to cover burial expenses of the insured individual). Eliminates the use of trust funds by a State to pay for vocational rehabilitation services for disabled beneficiaries. Requires a requester, whenever a request for information is made in order to assist a party in interest with respect to the administration of an employee benefit plan, to pay the full cost of providing such information. Directs that any such amounts so paid shall be deposited into the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. Provides that at each stage in the benefit computation, the amount derived is rounded down to the next multiple of one dollar. Part B - Medicare - Sets forth limitations concerning the routine nursing differential and reasonable cost and reasonable charge for outpatient services. Eliminates the need for occupational therapy as a requirement for entitlement to home health services. Eliminates coverage of alcohol detoxification facilities under Part A of title XVIII. Eliminates the unlimited open enrollment for medicare benefits and sets forth a general enrollment period during the period beginning on January 1 and ending on March 31 of each year. Sets forth restriction on coverage extended to additional groups of individuals under an agreement requested by a State during 1981. Sets forth civil monetary penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Sets forth the procedures for providing payments to promote the closing and conversion of underutilized public health hospital facilities. Provides the criteria for determining reasonable charges for physicians' services. Requires the establishment of limitations on the amount of any costs or charges for outpatient services by hospitals, community health centers, or clinics. Increases the Part B deductible from $60 to $75. Revises the procedure for determining the monthly premium applicable for individuals enrolled under part B for the 12-month period commencing July 1 in the succeeding year. Makes payments under part B secondary in cases of end stage renal disease services covered under certain health insurance policies or health benefit plans. Makes Medicare payments secondary to Federal employees health benefits payments. Part C - Medicaid - Sets forth a ceiling on Federal medicaid expenditures. Provides for the recovery of disputed claims plus interest on such amount. Permits the waiver of Medicaid requirements as may be necessary for a State to allow a locality to act as a central broker in assisting individuals selecting among competing health care plans and to share with recipients of medical assistance under the State plan cost savings resulting from use by the recipient of more cost-effective medical care. Sets forth the procedure for determining the reimbursement rate of hospitals and physicians. Requires, when Medicaid payments are made for a group of individuals described as medically needy, a description with respect to each such group of the criteria for determining eligibility for, and the extent of, such medical assistance. Grants the States the option of determining the age limit for Medicaid coverage for students receiving AFDC. Continues coverage for pneumococcal vaccine at a specified level for eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue a pneumococcal vaccine voucher to eligible individuals which shall be accepted as payment for the administration of such vaccine by any physician other provider who participates in a State plan. Permits a State to provide nonmedical services for certain individuals upon a waiver by the Secretary. Part D - Maternal and Child Health - Amends the Social Security Act to establish a program for maternal and child health services block grants to States by consolidating Federal assistance to States. Provides for increases in appropriations for the maternal and child health block grants for fiscal year 1983 and each fiscal year thereafter by a percentage of the increase in the Consumer Price Index. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the allotments of such funds; (2) payments to States; (3) use of grant money; (4) reports and audits; (5) criminal penalty for false statements; and (6) transition. Part E - Unemployment Compensation - Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to eliminate the "national trigger" under the extended benefits program. Provides for a State option as to criteria for State "on" and "off" indicators under such program. Requires 20 weeks of employment (or the wage equivalent) in order to qualify for benefits under such program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the credit against employment tax liability available to an employer shall not be reduced due to advances made to the unemployment account of a State under title XII (Advances to State Unemployment Funds) of the Social Security Act, if such State repays during the one-year period ending on November 9 of the taxable year the advances made to its unemployment account and such repayments are not less than the sum of the State's potential additional taxes for the taxable year, plus any advances made to such State during the one-year period. Empowers the Secretary of Labor to require a State to furnish any information necessary to determine if such State has made proper repayments. Permits States which borrow Federal funds for payment of unemployment benefits to qualify for a cap on any increase in employer tax liability due to the failure of such State to repay outstanding loans, if such State meets certain minimum solvency requirements with respect to its unemployment compensation system. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to disqualify a State for such cap if he determines that the State has not provided adequate information with respect to the solvency of its unemployment compensation system. Permits States which have current loan balances for unemployment compensation benefits to waive certain new borrowing provisions: (1) during periods of high unemployment; and (2) for certain borrowing in taxable year 1981. Amends the Social Security Act, title XII (Advances to State Unemployment Funds), to set forth interest rates for State repayments of any advance made to a State during a taxable year in which such State is availing itself of the cap on credit reduction. Amends Social Security Act provisions relating to the Unemployment Trust Fund to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to determine the available portion of the funds credited to the book account of each State agency which is not required to meet current withdrawals. Permits each State to direct the Secretary to invest up to 50 percent of such available portion in such manner as the State determines to be appropriate. Part F - Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act ot revise the method of determining earned income. Revises the community work experience program. Requires a State AFDC plan to operate such a program. Requires such a program, among other things, to: (1) provide appropriate standards for health, safety, and other conditions; (2) not displace currently employed individuals; (3) provide reasonable work conditions; (4) not require unreasonable travel of participants; (5) be limited to a certain number of hours per month; and (6) provide for transportation and other costs reasonably necessary and directly related to participation in the program. Amends part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to permit a State to institute a work supplementation program under which such State, to the extent such State determines to be appropriate, may make jobs availabe, on a voluntary basis, as an alternative to aid otherwise provided under the State plan. Sets forth the procedure for allowing a State to elect, as an alternative to the work incentive program, to operate a work incentive demonstration program for the purpose of demonstrating single agency administration of the work-related objectives of such Act. Prohibits AFDC payments in situations where the caretaker relative is participating in a strike. Limits the term"dependent child" with respect to age to full-time secondary school students under age 19. Permits AFDC payments to a pregnant woman, during the last month of her pregnancy or within the following three-month period, if the child would be eligible for AFDC. Eliminates references to "mother" or "father" and refers instead to the "principal wage earner" or "parent or other caretaker of a child" for purposes of determining AFDC eligibility by reason of parental unemployment and the applicability of the WORK registration requirement. Provides that AFDC eligibility for a month shall be determined on the basis of the family's resources for that month, and that the benefit amount shall be determined on the basis of the income and resources of the first or second preceding month. Requires AFDC families to report their income on a monthly basis. Prohibits AFDC payments below ten dollars (however, an individual entitled to a payment below ten dollars shall be deemed an AFDC recipient but shall be ineligible to participate in a community work experience program). Requires a State to: (1) promptly correct any AFDC overpayment or underpayment; and (2) impose a lien against a recipient's home to recover aid. Eliminates Federal funding for AFDC State and local personnel training. Part G - Child Support Enforcement - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide for the collection of past-due child and spousal support from Federal tax refunds. Provides for a fee to be imposed on any such individual who owes a child or spousal support obligation, in accordance with State law, with respect to all such child and spousal support obligations for which collection is made by the State agency on behalf of an individual not otherwise eligible for collection services. Prohibits the discharge in bankruptcy of a child support obligation assigned to a State as a condition of AFDC eligibility. Part H - Supplemental Security Income - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Act to provide that an individual's monthly eligibility for benefit for a month shall be determined on the basis of the individual's income, resources, and other relevant characteristrics in the preceding monthly benefits on the basis of income and other characteristics in the second month, or, on the basis of income and other characteristics in the second month preceding such month. Authorizes the Secretary to redetermine eligibility for and amount of benefits at other times. Repeals the provisions of such Act which provided funding of rehabilitation services for supplemtal security income recipients. Part I - Block Grants for Social Services - Social Services Block Grant Act - Amends title XX of the Social Security Act to consolidate Federal assistance to States for social services into a single grant. Authorizes States to provide social services including child care, day care, foster care, protective services, adoption assistance, emergency room and board, home management and maintenance, meals, health support services, family planning, transportation, rehabilitation, training, delinquency prevention, services to minors in the justice system, information, referral and counseling services, and other appropriate community and social services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments in accordance with the Intergovernmental Act of 1968. Sets forth grant limitations. Sets forth reporting and auditing requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for: (1)training related to the purposes of this Act; and (2) ongoing activities of national or regional significance related to the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to identify criteria and mechanisms which may be useful for the States assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the State social services programs carried out with funds made available under title XX of the Social Security Act. Part J - Trade Adjustment Assistance - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise eligibility requirement for adjustment assistance to require that imports be a substantial cause of (formerly, "contributed importantly to") a firm's decline. Revises trade readjustment allowance qualifying requirements, weekly amounts, and limitations on allowances. Authorizes the Secretary, within certain limitations, to require adversely affected workers to accept job training or to actively search for work outside their former employment area if the Secretary determines with respect to the labor market area that: (1) a high level of unemployment exists; (2) suitable employment opportunities are not available; and (3) there are facilities available to provide training in new or related job classifications. Requires the Secretary to develop, in cooperation with an adversely affected worker covered by a certification who is unemployed or underemployed and with others, an appropriate employability plan. Authorizes the Secretary, with certain restrictions, to defray reasonable transportation and subsistence expenses when training facilities are not within commuting distances. Increases individual job search allowances and relocation allowances. Waives the requirement that any overpayment must be repaid if: (1) the overpayment was made without fault on the part of an individual; and (2) requiring repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. Abolishes the Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Sets forth provisions relating to definitions, conforming amendments, effective dates and transitional provisions. Title VIII - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 to: (1) the Department of State for international organizations and conferences; and (2) the Board for International Broadcasting. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to: (1) the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency; and (2) the Inter-American Foundation. Reduces the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for: (1) international organizations and programs; (2) American schools and hospitals abroad; (3) international disaster assistance; (4) international narcotics control; and (5) the Peace Corps. Title IX - Committee on Governmental Affairs - Sets a 4.8 percent pay cap on Federal employees salaries to become effective with the first applicable pay period commencing on or after October 1, 1981. Provides for the annualization of cost-of-living annuity adjustments for Federal employees. Limits the authorization of appropriations to the Postal Service through fiscal year 1983. Provides for an authorization ceiling and phase out of capital improvement loans to the District of Columbia. Provides for a reduction in Federal expenditures for consultants and for travel by Federal employees. Title X - Committee on the Judiciary - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Justice for fiscal year 1982 for: (1) activities of the Federal Prison System; and (2) for the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Limits the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out the provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to: (1) the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission; and (2) the Community Relations Service. Title XI - Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources - Part A - Health Reconciliation Provisions - Subpart 1 - Authorization for Health Programs; Other Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified health planning, health facilities, and health professions and nurse training programs through fiscal year 1983. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for health services administration through fiscal year 1983. Eliminates the entitlement to health services for merchant seamen. Repeals provisions of the Department of Defense Appropriation Authorization Act, 1974, which provide for the operation of certain Public Health Service hospitals. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for: (1) the National Institutes of Health; (2) National Research Service Awards in mental health; (3) the Center for Disease Control; (4) the Office of the Assistance Secretary for Health; (5) St. Elizabeth's Hospital; (6) the Food and Drug Administration; (7) Adolescent Family Life and Pregnancy Care Programs; (8) the National Science Foundation; and (9) health planning. Subpart 2 - Health Services Block Grant - Health Services Block Grant Act of 1981 - Amends title III (General Power and Duties of the Public Health Service) of the Public Health Service Act to replace the current primary health centers grants with a health service block grant program. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1985. Sets forth the allotment formula and application requirements. Authorizes the use of such funds for health services and related activities (including technical assistance) for migratory and seasonal workers, medically underserved populations, coal miners, individuals at home, medical emergencies, mental health, and alcohol and drug abuse. States that such funds do not have to be used to provide services in the same manner as provided prior to October 1, 1981. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) inpatient services (other than those prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services); (2) cash payments to health services recipients; (3) construction or land purchase; or (4) satisfying non-Federal funding requirements. Authorizes any State to transfer up to five percent of block grant funds for use under other Federal programs providing for health promotion and disease prevention or social services, or for meeting home energy and emergency assistance needs. Requires States to report and to prepare an audit at least every two years concerning activities under this Act. Permits States for fiscal year 1982 to choose between operating programs under the block grant established by this Act or operating programs under the provisions repealed by this Act. Repeal various Federal laws authorizing categorical grants and other assistance in related fields. Subpart 3 - Preventive Health Services - Preventive Health Block Grant Act - Amends title III (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service) of the Public Health Service Act to replace the current grant programs for health planning and public health services, preventive health services, paint poisoning, and venereal disease with a preventive health block grant program. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1985. Sets forth the allotment formula and application requirements. Authorizes the use of funds for health promotion and disease prevention including technical assistance. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) cash payments to health services recipients; (2) construction or land purchase; and (3) satisfying non-Federal funding requirements. Authorizes any State to transfer up to ten percent of block grant funds for use under other Federal programs providing for health or social services, or for meeting home energy and emergency assistance needs. Requires States to report and to prepare an audit at least every two years on activities under this Act. Permits States for fiscal year 1982 to choose between operating programs under the block grant established by this Act or operating programs under the provisions repealed by this Act. Repeals various Federal laws authorizing categorical grants and other assistance in related fields. Part B - Education Reconciliation Amendments - Sets forth a general limitation on the authorization of appropriations for the Department of Education (or predecessor agency), the National Endowment for the Arts, or the National Endowment for the Humanities through fiscal year 1983. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to limit the authorization of appropriations for programs under Title I of such Act through fiscal year 1983. Sets forth levels of authorization for specified programs under such Act for fiscal year 1981. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to limit the authorization of appropriations for programs under Title I of such Act through fiscal year 1983. Sets forth level of authorization for specified programs under such Act for fiscal year 1981. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the Education Outreach program for fiscal year 1981. Specifies that no sums are to be authorized for such program for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Limits the authorization of appropriation for specified programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through fiscal year 1983. Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to extend the authorization of appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1983. Amends the general Education Provisions Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal years 1983 to carry out specified activities and programs under such Act. Limits the authorization of appropriations for departmental management by the Department of Education through fiscal year 1983. Prohibits the use of any of the sums authorized for Cuban and Haitian reception activities for fiscal year 1983. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a needs basis for Federal payments to reduce student interest costs. Declares that a student qualifies for a portion of an interest payment if: (1) such student's adjusted family income is $25,000 or less; or (2) (if greater than 25,000) the eligible institution provides the lender with a statement of need determination and a loan recommendation to cover such need. Includes specified amounts paid under the Social Security Act or as veterans' benefits in a student's estimated financial assistance for such purposes. Raises the annual interest rate on loans to parents of dependent undergraduate students from nine to 14 percent. Deletes provisions limiting subrogation of the United States to rights of any insurance beneficiary under Federal guaranty agreements with non- Federal student loan programs. Requires a guaranty agency to assign to the Secretary any loan for which the Secretary has made payment under such a guaranty agreement, if the Secretary deems this necessary to protect the Federal fiscal interest. Establishes a committee to review the process of determining student loan special allowances and other fees and financial incentives used in the guaranteed student loan program. Part C - Elementary and Secondary Education Block Grant - Elementary and Secondary Education Program Consolidation and Improvement Act - Subpart 1 - Financial Assistance to Meet Special Education Needs of Disadvantage Children - Provides assistance on the basis of entitlements created under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, through fiscal year 1984, to States and local educational agencies to meet the special needs of educationally deprived children. Requires each State and local educational agency to use such payments for programs and projects which are designed to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived children. Sets forth the procedure for approval of applications for such payments. Sets forth provisions to provide for the participation in such special education programs by children enrolled in private schools. Subpart 2 - Consolidation of Federal Programs for Elementary and Secondary Education - Declares that it is the purposes of this part to consolidate the program authorizations contained in titles II through VI and VIII and IX of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and supporting authorizations contained in other Acts, into a single authorization of grants to States for the same purposes set forth in such titles, but to be used in accordance with the educational needs and priorities of State and local educational agencies as determined by such agencies. Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal year 1983, and such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this part in fiscal year 1984. Sets forth the information to be contained in an application from a State that desires to receive any such grants. Sets forth the procedure for the allocation of such grants to local educational agencies. Subchapter I - Basic Skills Development - Provides funds to State and local educational agencies to develop and implement a comprehensive and coordinated program designed to improve elementary and secondary school instruction in the basic skills of reading, mathematics, and written and oral communication. Subchapter II - Education Improvement and Support Services - Permits States and local educational agencies to use Federal funds to carry out activities relating to educational improvement, resources, and support, State leadership, emergency school aid, precollege science teacher training, and the Teacher Corps and teacher centers. Subchapter III - Special Projects - Permits State and local educational agencies to use Federal funds to carry out activities relating to special projects. Subchapter IV - Secretary's Discretionary Funds - Authorizes the Secretary to carry out directly or through grants or contracts with State and local educational agencies programs and projects of a specified nature. Subchapter V- General Provisions - Sets forth provisions to ensure a maintenance of effort between State and Federal expenditures for such educational programs, and for the participation of children enrolled in private schools. Subpart 3 - General Provisions - Sets forth provisions concerning Federal regulations, withholding of payments, judicial review, and the availability of appropriations for programs and activities authorized under this subtitle. Part D - Aging, Family and Human Services Reconciliation Amendments - Subpart 1 - Older Americans - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965 through fiscal year 1983. Subpart 2 - Home Energy Block Grant - Home Energy Assistance Block Grant Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1986 to provide grants to States to assist eligible households to meet the costs of home energy. Prohibits more than 10 percent of the funds available to each State from being used for low-income residential weatherization or other energy related home repair. Sets forth the procedure for making such State allocations. Sets forth limitations on the use of such grants for construction. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the collection of data including: (1) information concerning home energy consumption; (2) the cost and type of fuels used; (3) the type of fuel used by various groups (4) the number and income levels of households assisted by such grants; and (5) any other information which the Secretary determines to be reasonably necessary. Repeals, effective October 1, 1981, the Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980. Subpart 3 - Community Services Block Grant - Community Services Block Grant Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to ameliorate the causes of poverty in communities within such State. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1986 to carry out such grants. Sets forth the procedures for State allocation, applications and requirements. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office of Community Services. Subpart 4 - Headstart Act - Headstart Act - Extends the authority for the appropriation of funds for the Head Start program. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1984 for such program. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide financial assistance to a designated Head Start agency for the planning, conduct, administration, and evaluation of a Head Start program focused primarily upon children from low-income families who have not reached the age of compulsory school attendance. Sets forth limitations on such assistance. Sets forth the powers and functions of Head Start agencies and administrative requirements and standards. Permits the Secretary to provide: (1) technical assistance to communities in developing, conducting, and administering Headstart programs; and (2) training for specialized or other personnel needed in connection with Headstart programs. Permits the Secretary to provide financial assistance through grants or contracts for research, demonstration, or pilot projects conducted by public or private agencies which are designed to test or assist in the development of new approaches or methods that will aid in overcoming special problems or otherwise furthering the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to provide, directly or through grants or contracts, for the continuing evaluation of such programs. Requires the Secretary to revise, at least annually, a poverty line which shall be used as a criterion of eligibility for participation in Headstart programs. Subpart 5 - Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973 - Domestic Volunteer Service Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to eliminate provisions relating to a financial assistance limitation for the Action Agency to make grants and contracts for projects and programs which encourage and enable students in secondary, secondary vocational, and postsecondary schools to participate in service-learning programs on an in-school or out-of-school basis in specified assignments. Redesignates provisions relating to grants and contracts for senior companion services for low-income elderly persons with specified needs as a separate Senior Companions Program. Makes technical and conforming administrative amendments. Eliminates reference to Older American Community Service Programs and the Community Services Administration. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out national volunteer antipoverty programs. Eliminates provisions earmarking portions of such funds for specified programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for National Older American Volunteer programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 for National Older American Volunteer programs, including the Foster Grandparent Program, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and coordination with other Federal programs. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations for administration and coordination of domestic volunteer services programs. Subpart 6 - Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to carry out the provisions of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Conditions any appropriation upon the enactment of a program relating to child abuse prevention and treatment after June 15, 1981. Subpart 7 - Legal Services - Authorizes appropriations for the activities of the Legal Services Corporation through fiscal year 1983. Part E - Labor Amendments for Reconciliation - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to provide for cost-of-living increases for survivors under such Act. Prohibits the payment of new windfall dual benefits to an individual unless the entitlement of such individual to such amount had been determined prior to the later of June 1, 1981, or the date of the enactment of this subdivision. Part F - Employment and Productivity Reconciliation Amendments - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to authorize appropriations to carry out specified provisions of such Act in fiscal year 1982. Permits the transfer of 20 percent of funds between the youth program and the summer youth program. Part G - Rehabilitation Services and Education of the Handicapped Reconciliation Amendments - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to set forth a limitation on the authorization of appropriations to carry out activities under such Act through fiscal year 1983. Authorizes appropriations for grants under the Education of the Handicapped Act through fisal year 1983. Reduces the authorization of appropriations for programs under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act for fiscal year 1981 and each of the two succeeding fiscal years. Limits the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for: (1) activities under the National Technical Institute for the Deaf Act; (2) the Committee on Purchases of Blind-made Products; (3) Gallaudet College; and (4) the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human Services. Title XII - Small Business Act Amendments of 1981 - Part A - Disaster Assistance - Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the Small Business Administration from making disaster assistance unless credit is not otherwise available from all Federal and non-Federal sources on reasonable terms and conditions and such damage or destruction is not compensated for by insurance otherwise. Prohibits the Administration from duplicating the work or activity of any other department or agency of the Federal government. Part B - Program Authorizations - Limits the authorization of appropriations for direct and immediate participation loans by the Small Business Administration through fiscal year 1984. Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through fiscal year 1984. Title XIII - Veterans' Programs - Revises and limits burial allowances for veterans. Eliminates dental benefits for veterans whose dental conditions existed during military duty, but who did not seek or receive treatment. Terminates, after September 30, 1982, the Veterans' Administration authority to provide educational assistance to veterans for flight training and to veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses for correspondence training. Grants the United States the right of recovery of the costs of certain care and services in any case in which veteran is furnished care and services by the Veterans' Administration for non-service-connected disability and the disability was incurred: (1) incident to such veterans' employment and the disability is covered under a workers' compensation law or plan; (2) as the result of a motor vehicle accident covered under the law of a State which requires the owners or operators of motor vehicles registered in such State to have in force automobile accident reparations insurance; or (3) as the result of a crime of personal violence in a State where such person received free health care and services by the State.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1981
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Supplementary Private Financing Act of 1981 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to: (1) establish procedures under which Strategic Petroleum Reserve fixed maturity certificates will be issued at least quarterly; and (2) commence issuance no later than October 1, 1981. Provides for the Congressional veto of such procedures. Provides that the certificates shall be: (1) issued in denominations denoting a quantity of crude oil; (2) issued in quantities sufficient, along with funds appropriated, to provide for an average daily fill rate of 230,000 barrels; (3) issued for a term of not more than seven years; (4) transferable; (5) redeemable quarterly by the Government; and (6) redeemed at maturity at the average weighted price of imported crude oil as determined one month prior to redemption. Provides that certificates will be sold at a reservation price to be fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, except that if the demand for certificates exceeds the number available, the certificates shall be auctioned. Provides that proceeds from the sale of certificates shall be issued to acquire crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Prohibits the issuance of certificates when the President directs a drawdown. Permits the distribution or drawdown of the Reserve if the President determines that there is a shortage of an amount equal to or exceeding ten percent (currently 20 percent) of the projected daily demand for crude oil. Exempts Reserve petroleum from price controls. Increases the annual average minimum rate of fill of the Reserve from 100,000 to 230,000 barrels daily. Extends the authority for the Reserve until June 30, 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Debt Collection Act of 1981 - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to permit a Federal agency to disclose individual records to a consumer reporting agency. Authorizes a Federal agency attempting to collect a claim under the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 to notify a consumer reporting agency that a person is responsible for a claim if: (1) the agency has sent a written notice informing the person that a consumer reporting agency will be contacted, describing the information to be disclosed, and explaining the person's right to dispute the agency's claim; (2) the person has not agreed to repay the claim or filed for review of the claim; (3) the agency, upon request, has reviewed the claim; and (4) the agency has obtained assurances that the consumer reporting agency complies with Federal laws governing the provision of consumer credit information. Requires the agency to notify the consumer reporting agency promptly concerning any change in the status or amount of the claim. Directs Federal agencies to require any individual applying for credit or financial assistance, which may result in indebtedness to the Government, to furnish his or her social security numbers. Authorizes an agency (including the United States Postal Service) to deduct installment payments from the pay of an employee or member of the Armed Forces or Armed Forces Reserve to offset any debts owed the Government. Limits the amount deducted to 25 percent of the individual's disposable pay. Makes murder or manslaughter of a Federal debt collector a Federal offense. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose to a Federal agency: (1) information concerning the tax liability of a Federal loan applicant; and (2) the mailing address of a taxpayer for use by employees or agents of the agency in collecting or compromising a Federal claim. Increases the rate of interest on delinquent taxes to 100 percent (currently 90 percent) of the prime rate quoted by commercial banks to large businesses. Permits the annual (currently biennial) adjustment of such interest rate. Allows the Government to collect claims by administrative offset beyond the six year statute of limitations on actions brought by the Government for money damages. Directs each agency to charge a minimum annual rate of interest on outstanding debts and to assess a penalty charge and handling costs on delinquent claims, except where another statute, statutorily mandated regulation, loan agreement, or contract either prohibits or explicitly fixes interest or penalty charges. Declares that service of legal process brought for the collection of U.S. claims shall be accomplished in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or as directed by the court. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to: (1) direct each agency with outstanding debts to submit to the Director and the Department of the Treasury an annual report on the status of the agency's loans and accounts receivable; and (2) report to Congress annually on the management of agency debt collection activities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns) of the interest earned on an All Savers Certificate in taxable years 1981, 1982, and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Equal Access to Justice Amendments Act - Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to limit awards of attorney's fees and other expenses in certain Federal agency actions and in certain judicial proceedings involving the United States to prevailing parties who: (1) would have suffered a pecuniary loss in excess of $500 (and, in the case of agency actions, such loss was in an individual capacity and not as a member or representative of an organization or group); or (2) were engaged in carrying on a trade or business for profit and (a) the amount in controversy (in agency actions, in excess of $500) was directly related to the conduct of such trade or business, or (b) the adjudication involves a violation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Provides, for purposes of such awards, that: (1) an affidavit of the attorney affirming that such fees were routine and customary accompany an itemized fee statement; and (2) the amount awarded not be disproportionate to the amount in controversy. Revises the definition of a "party" under such Act to exclude certain agricultural cooperative associations, tax-exempt organizations, and owners who are not sole owners. Requires that fees and other expenses awarded be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails (for judicial proceedings, the agency issuing an order). Permits such payments from any sums appropriated to such agency, but prohibits specific appropriations for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Anatoly Shcharansky be released from prison in the Soviet Union, be given proper medical treatment, and be permitted to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. delegation to the Madrid Conference on Security and Cooperation to continue to express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1981
Amends the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977 to permit a registered professional land surveyor (in addition to an engineer or geologist) to prepare and certify maps or plans for use in an application for a surface coal mining and reclamation permit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Reduction Act of 1981 - Requires that two percent of the funds appropriated for each Executive agency be withheld during each of fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Directs each agency: (1) to transmit to Congress a plan to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the administration of agency programs during each such year; and (2) by February 1 of each such year, to report to Congress on its efforts to implement such plan. Authorizes each agency which achieves reductions in waste, fraud, or abuse resulting in savings not exceeding the amount of appropriations withheld, or which determines that no waste, fraud, or abuse exists, to request that the withheld appropriations be released. Directs the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives to investigate each agency's reduction efforts and to transmit to the Committee on Appropriations of its respective House recommendations on whether all or part of the withheld appropriations should be made available to the agency. Authorizes the Committees on Appropriations to report a joint resolution directing the Secretary of the Treasury to release such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Amends the venue provisions of Federal law to provide that a civil action in which a party is the United States must be brought in a judicial district or circuit in which: (1) the non-Federal real party in interest maintains the facilities or conducts the activities that are the subject of the action; or (2) the Federal action being sought or challenged will affect the use of public or private property within that State. Directs that the action shall be brought in the district or circuit in which the State capital is located if the non-Federal party is a State or local government. Requires that a copy of the summons and complaint in such actions shall be served on the Attorney General of each State in which the action could have been brought under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Recommends levels of Federal revenues of $650,300,000,000 in fiscal year 1982, $709,100,000,000 in fiscal year 1983, and $770,700,000,000 in fiscal year 1984. States that the appropriate level of total new budget authority for fiscal year 1982 is $775,100,000,000, $812,600,000,000 for fiscal year 1983, and $865,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1984. Sets the appropriate level of total budget outlays at $699,100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982, $730,500,000,000 in fiscal year 1983, and $770,700,000,000 in fiscal year 1984. Sets the amount of deficit in the budget which is appropriate in light of economic conditions at $48,800,000,000 in fiscal year 1982, $21,400,000,000 in fiscal year 1983, and $0 in fiscal year 1984. Sets the appropriate level of public debt at $1,091,200,000,000 in fiscal year 1982, $1,154,300,000,000 in fiscal year 1983, and $1,197,600,000,000 in fiscal year 1984. Sets forth the increase in the temporary statutory limit on such debt at $91,400,000,000 in fiscal year 1982, $63,100,000,000 in fiscal year 1983, and $43,300,000,000 in fiscal year 1984. Sets forth the corresponding levels of new budget authority and outlays for each major functional category of the budget in fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Revises the second concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1981 to recommend a level of Federal revenues in fiscal year 1981 of $599,900,000,000. States that the appropriate level of total budget authority for fiscal year 1981 is $716,000,000,000 and that the appropriate level of total budget outlays is $662,700,000,000. Sets forth a budget deficit of $62,800,000,000. States that the appropriate level of public debt is $999,800,000,000 with an increase of $91,100,000,000. Sets forth recommended levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified functional categories of the budget for fiscal year 1981. Requires the Committees on Appropriations of the House and the Senate, no later than June 5, 1981, to report legislation to reduce previously enacted appropriations in budget authority and outlays by specified amounts in fiscal years 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984. Requires specified House and Senate committees to recommend program changes in laws within their respective jurisdictions to reduce budget authority and outlays for fiscal years 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984. Requires such committees, not later than May 31, 1981, to submit their recommendations to the Committees on the Budget of their respective Houses. Requires the Committees on the Budget to report to the House and the Senate a reconciliation bill or resolution or both carrying out all such recommendations without any substantive revision. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that Senate committees should report the legislation required by this resolution as agreed in the Senate by May 31, 1981, except to the extent that the amounts referred to may be modified in conference with the House of Representatives. Directs the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs to report changes in laws within the jurisdiction of such committee which would reduce the costs to the Government which result from waste, fraud, and abuse. Establishes a Congressional Federal Credit Budget for fiscal year 1982 with appropriate levels of: (1) new direct loan obligations at $51,452,000,000; (2) new primary loan guarantee commitments at $85,626,000,000; and (3) new secondary loan guarantee commitments at $70,042,000,000. Sets forth the appropriate levels of total Federal credit activity, new direct loan obligations, new gross loan guarantee commitments, and new secondary loan guarantee commitments for each functional category for fiscal year 1982. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the President through administrative actions should limit fiscal year 1982 total Federal Financing Bank origination of direct loans guaranteed by other Federal agencies and Federal Financing Bank purchases of loan assets from Federal agencies to specified amounts. Makes it out of order in either the House or the Senate during fiscal years 1981 and 1982 to consider any bill, resolution, or amendment authorizing new direct loan obligations or new loan guarantee commitments unless that bill, resolution, or amendment also provides that the authority to make or guarantee such loans shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are contained in appropriation Acts. Prohibits the enrollment of any bill or resolution providing new budget authority for fiscal year 1982 or new spending authority first effective in fiscal year 1982 until after Congress has completed action on the second concurrent resolution on the budget and on any reconciliation legislation required by such resolution. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the President should implement a "zero net inflation impact" policy for the regulations promulgated in the remainder of fiscal year 1981 and for fiscal year 1982. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Director of the Congressional Budget Office should issue a periodic "inflation scorekeeping report" which shall contain an estimate of the positive or negative cost-of-living effects of legislation enacted to date in the current sessions of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require the notice of proposed agency rulemaking to include: (1) a statement of the Congressional intent behind the rule; (2) a solicitation for public proposals for alternative methods; (3) a description of the data used in the rulemaking; and (4) a determination of whether the rule is a "major rule," as defined in this Act. Directs each agency to publish with such notice: (1) a description of the costs and benefits of and alternatives to the proposed rule; and (2) a justification for proposing the rule and selecting it over the alternatives. Requires agencies to give interested persons at least 60 days to submit written comments on any proposed rule and to make oral comments on major rules. Provides for a 30-day extension of such period. Directs each agency to publish with each final rule a statement of its basis and purpose, including an assessment of the public comments and a comparison of the costs, benefits, and adverse effects of the rule. Requires an agency officer or employee to prepare the rulemaking notice and the statement of the basis and purpose. Directs each agency to maintain, for judicial review, a public file of the paperwork and comments pertaining to each rulemaking proceeding. Allows an agency to promulgate an emergency rule without meeting the notice and comment requirements. Directs such agency: (1) to publish an explanation of the situation requiring the emergency rule and a justification of the emergency rule selected; and (2) to comply with normal rulemaking requirements as soon as practicable. Requires each agency to review its major rules every ten years. Directs each agency to: (1) publish and submit to the President a proposed review schedule; and (2) publish a final schedule within one year after enactment of this Act. Permits the President to select additional rules for review. Directs each agency to publish a notice of its proposed action regarding a reviewed rule. Requires that the notice: (1) assess the costs, benefits, and adverse effects of the rule; and (2) invite public proposals for modifications or alternatives to the rule. Requires an agency to follow normal rulemaking procedures when amending or rescinding a rule. Specifies procedures for renewing a rule without amendment. Directs a court reviewing an agency action to: (1) set aside any agency rule found to lack substantial support in the rulemaking file; (2) determine the authority or jurisdiction of the agency on the basis of the language of the authorizing statute or other evidence of legislative intent; and (3) accord no presumption in favor of or against agency action. Declares that when proceedings for review of the same agency action are instituted in two or more courts of appeals within ten days, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall select the court in which the record shall be filed by a system of random selection. Authorizes the courts not selected to grant preliminary relief pending transfer of their proceedings. Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register, semiannually, an agenda of the rules the agency expects to propose, promulgate, renew, or withdraw within the next 12 months, including a schedule of the significant actions pertaining to each rule. Directs the President to publish, semiannually, a Calendar of Federal Regulations, listing each of the major rules included in the agenda.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer or dealer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State, if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years' imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Deletes the prohibition against concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions to make the following changes. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Establishes a Congressional veto procedure with respect to firearms regulations. Authorizes either House of Congress to adopt a resolution of disapproval within 90 days of the rule's promulgation. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Prohibits the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, from closing, downgrading, or decreasing the staff by more than ten percent of any office under the direction of a District Engineer, unless such office is located within 500 miles of another office of the Corps of Engineers of the same rank that existed as of the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to a person entitled to notice of a summons to a third-party recordkeeper to produce records of such person: (1) to repeal the current right of such person to stay compliance with the summons; and (2) to authorize such person to move to quash the summons within 14 days after notice is given. Requires accompaniment of such motion by an affidavit stating the reasons that the records sought are not relevant to a legitimate tax inquiry or any other legal basis for quashing the summons. Requires any third party upon receipt of a summons to proceed to assemble the records requested and to be prepared to deliver them at the required time.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1981
Declares that the Senate urges: (1) the Civil Aeronautics Board and other Federal agencies to refrain from any extraordinary action in regard to the proposed merger between Texas International Airlines and Continental Airlines; and (2) the Board to proceed with consideration of such merger under its regular procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1981
Natural Gas Utilization Act of 1981 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Revises the findings and purposes of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to delete references to natural gas. Sets forth the purposes of this Act and definitions used in this Act. Title II: Petroleum Displacement Act of 1981 - Petroleum Displacement Act of 1981 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal certain prohibitions on the usage of natural gas as a primary energy source in existing electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations. Repeals the systems compliance option provisions of the Act which provide that existing powerplants owned or operated by a utility will be considered in compliance with any prohibition relating to natural gas usage if the utility has in effect an approved system compliance plan. Makes conforming amendments. Title III: Gas Transportation Program - Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish procedures for expedited consideration of transportation certificates for transporting natural gas from seller to buyer. Permits either a buyer or a transporting pipeline to apply for a transportation certificate. Permits the Commission to deny a certificate application only upon determining that: (1) approval would interfere with natural gas need rules; or (2) the transporting pipeline has inadequate capacity. Title IV: Administration and Reporting Requirements - Directs the Commission to report to Congress concerning the effectiveness of the procedurer established under Title III. Provides for the expiration of this Act in 20 years.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of agency SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with an SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to exempt rural electric cooperatives and rural telephone cooperatives from payment of rental fees for rights-of-way granted to them with respect to public lands and lands within the National Forest System.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Regulatory Reduction and Congressional Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require Federal agencies to provide interested persons at least 60 days after publication of the general notice of a proposed rulemaking to participate in the rulemaking. Allows an agency to adopt an emergency rule, temporarily, without regard to specified time constraints. Provides expedited procedures for the adoption of a rule to replace such a temporary emergency rule. Subjects interpretive agency rules and general policy statements which will have general applicability and affect the rights of persons outside the agency to notice and public comment requirements for agency rulemaking. Directs each agency, upon publishing a recommended final rule, to transmit to Congress a copy of the rule with a summary of the problem requiring Government regulation and a statement of the estimated costs imposed by the rule. Prohibits such a rule from becoming effective if one House adopts a resolution disapproving the rule within 60 days of continuous session of Congress and the other House does not disapprove such resolution within 30 days thereafter. Specifies factors to be considered by a Congressional committee when determining whether or not to report such a resolution. Allows an agency to issue a modified rule relating to the same area as a disapproved rule. Authorizes each Congressional committee having legislative jurisdiction over an existing agency rule to review such rule periodically to determine whether: (1) provisions of the rule seriously injure the public interest; or (2) the rule violates or is inconsistent with other rules, existing law, judicial decisions, congressional intent, or its statutory authority. Authorizes such a committee or any Member of Congress to report or introduce a resolution requiring that an agency reconsider and repromulgate an existing rule or else the rule shall lapse within 180 days. Requires any agency repromulgating a rule to hold a hearing for oral presentations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1981
Commends Secret Service Agents Timothy McCarthy and Jerry Parr and Metropolitan Police Officer Thomas Delahanty for their performance in the line of duty with respect to the assassination attempt on the life of the President of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Lamb Meat Quota Act of 1981 - Limits the aggregate quantity of lamb meat that may be imported into the United States after 1981 to the smaller of: (1) 31,000,000 pounds; or (2) 12 percent of the domestic slaughter of lamb during the preceding year. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to estimate quarterly whether the domestic price of lamb exceeds the parity price and, on the basis of such estimate, to adjust the aggregate quantity of lamb meat which may enter the United States. Requires the Secretary to estimate annually the quota established the domestic price of lamb, and any adjustment of the quota. Directs the Secretary to allocate such quotas among supplying countries on the basis of their share of the U.S. market.
![Official portrait of Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000407_200.jpg)